Why Muslim-majority Azerbaijan is restricting hijabs in schools

A country where around 96 percent of the population identifies as Muslim is witnessing protests after schools began turning away some girls and teachers for wearing the hijab, triggering a debate over religious freedom and secular education in Azerbaijan.The restrictions have raised questions about why a Muslim-majority country is enforcing rules that prevent some hijab-wearing students from attending classes.According to an Al Jazeera, Azerbaijan's Cabinet of Ministers amended school uniform rules on September 21, prohibiting clothing that violates the prescribed dress code or conflicts with the secular principle of general education.Although the regulation does not explicitly name the hijab, its enforcement has reportedly led to some hijab-wearing students and teachers being turned away from schools, prompting protests and class boycotts.Teacher Zahra Hasanova, who was reportedly told she could no longer wear the hijab at school, described the decision as deeply upsetting, while defending the right to choose whether to wear…